Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 037 - Engineer, State
🌊 What Is the State Engineer (Agency 037)?
The Wyoming State Engineer's Office (SEO) is the state agency that manages water rights and water use across the state. In a dry, western state like Wyoming, water is one of the most important natural resources, and it needs to be carefully allocated.
The State Engineer is both a person (the State Engineer) and an agency (Agency 037), overseeing water usage in:
Rivers and streams
Groundwater (wells and aquifers)
Irrigation systems
Industrial and municipal water systems
💧 What Does the State Engineer's Office Do?
1. Manages Water Rights
In Wyoming, water rights determine who can use water, how much, and for what purpose (like farming, homes, livestock, or industry).
The SEO:
Reviews applications for new water rights
Maintains records of all water rights in the state
Prioritizes rights based on the "first in time, first in right" rule
👉 That means older water rights have priority over newer ones, especially during droughts.
2. Regulates Water Use
The agency ensures that:
People only use the amount of water they're legally allowed
Water isn't being wasted or misused
Water is used for its approved purpose (e.g., irrigation, domestic, livestock, etc.)
They may inspect sites or investigate complaints if someone is overusing or diverting water unfairly.
3. Approves and Oversees Wells
Anyone drilling a well must:
Apply for a permit from the SEO
Provide details like the location, depth, and intended use
Follow construction and spacing rules (especially in shared aquifers)
This applies to:
Agricultural wells
Domestic wells (for homes)
Industrial wells
4. Enforces Groundwater and Surface Water Rules
The SEO monitors both:
Surface water (rivers, lakes, irrigation canals)
Groundwater (aquifers, wells)
They make sure these sources are:
Used sustainably
Not being overdrawn
Shared fairly among users
5. Field Operations & Water Distribution
The agency works with water commissioners and hydrographers who:
Measure stream flows
Monitor reservoir levels
Enforce water distribution according to legal rights
👷 Who Does the Agency Affect?
| Group | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Farmers & Ranchers | Need water for irrigation and livestock |
| Homeowners with Wells | Must get permits and follow usage limits |
| Cities & Towns | Need water rights for public supply |
| Businesses (e.g., mines, oil, power plants) | Use large amounts of water and must comply with permits |
| Developers | Need to prove water availability for new subdivisions |
📜 What Kind of Rules Does Agency 037 Create?
| Rule Area | Example |
|---|---|
| Water Right Applications | How to apply, what data is required |
| Well Spacing & Drilling | Minimum distances between wells, construction standards |
| Priority Enforcement | How senior rights are protected in droughts |
| Water Transfers | Rules for changing water use or location |
| Measurement & Reporting | What water users must report and how often |
🧠 Who Runs the Agency?
The State Engineer is appointed by the Governor and must be a licensed professional engineer
The office includes:
Groundwater division
Surface water division
Board of Control (for reviewing some water rights cases)
Field offices and hydrographers throughout the state
📝 Summary
Agency 037 – State Engineer (SEO) is the authority on water rights and use in Wyoming. It:
Issues water and well permits
Protects legal water rights
Enforces fair and sustainable water use
Manages both surface and groundwater statewide
In Wyoming’s dry climate, the State Engineer ensures water is used wisely, fairly, and legally — balancing agriculture, cities, businesses, and the environment.
RELATED Blog
0 comments